DUSC x Northeast Academy League

Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC) is excited to announce that it has been selected to participate in the Northeast Academy League for the 2022/2023 season. The Northeast Academy League is part of a strategic cooperation agreement to provide opportunities for our top boy's teams who aspire to participate in the MLS NEXT program.

The Northeast Academy League provides a competition platform for clubs and players who aspire to participate in MLS NEXT. As part of a strategic cooperation agreement, MLS NEXT will collaborate with the Northeast Academy League to provide players with increased identification opportunities, individual assessments, and enhanced scouting and coaching education for team technical staff.

Kevin McCarthy, Executive Director at DUSC

“The North East Academy League provides DUSC with the only strategic relationship of any Manhattan club with MLS NEXT,  a structured high level platform, a professional game day environment and a collaborative club experience with some of the nation’s best clubs. Being invited into the Northeast Academy League is an important step in our growth and development as a club and provides the pathway possibilities players require to advance their development opportunities through the highest level.

Fred Lipka Vice President & Technical Director, Player Development at Major League Soccer

“It is important that we provide opportunities for players to participate in MLS NEXT. Players develop at different ages, and at different rates. This strategic relationship is intended to address that dynamic.”

Matt Pilkington, NYCFC2 Head Coach, Former DUSC Technical Director

" I am delighted to see DUSC join the Northeast Academy League. Having DUSC teams compete in an inspirational best with best professional learning and developmental environment will raise the ceiling of possibility for NYC players in their collegiate and professional pathways."

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Frequently Asked Questions


What is the Northeast Academy League (NEAL, MLS Next2)

The Northeast Academy League is a boys only league that provides its member clubs a structured high level competitive platform, a professional game day environment and a collaborative club experience for the u11 thru u23 age groups.
What DUSC teams will be participating in the NEAL next year? 
Boys Blue teams U11-U23 will be participating in the NEAL starting in 2022-2023.  There will be two U11 and U12 teams competing and one U13 - U23 team in each age group in the league starting in the fall.
What leagues will other DUSC U11-U23 boys teams be participating in if not on the blue team in NEAL?
Our boys orange and white teams will continue to participate in leagues like CJSL, New York Club Soccer and EDP dependent on the age and level of the team.
Will teams participating in NEAL still participate in state cup tournament?
Yes. Teams participating in NEAL will continue to participate in the state cup tournament in 2022-2023  The winner of the state cup in NY, then goes to a regional tournament and the winner of the regional tournament competes in the USYS National Championships.
What tournaments and showcase events will teams participating in NEAL attend?
Our rhythm as far as number of tournaments will remain similar for blue teams participating in NEAL.  We are in the process of finalizing tournaments and showcase events for 2022-2023 and will communicate that info as soon as we can regarding what evens these teams will be attending and when.
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